title: Quinine-induced severe thrombocytopenia: the importance of taking a detailed drug history.
abstract: Drugs can lead to severe life-threatening thrombocytopenia. The mechanisms of drug-induced thrombocytopenia are increased destruction by immune-mediated platelet destruction or decreased platelet production by bone marrow suppression. Quinine is a drug used for the treatment of malaria and nocturnal leg cramps and is also an important ingredient in some herbal preparations. Quinine can very rarely cause thrombocytopenia by immune-mediated platelet destruction. In a patient with thrombocytopenia, a detailed history of all the medications including over-the-counter medications and herbal preparations is very important.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
authors.forename: Muhajir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohamed
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hayes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000188:drug therapy; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011803:Quinine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D011239:Prednisolone; D011803:Quinine